Portrait Of A Gentleman C.1715; Circle Of Enoch Seeman (c.1694-1745)

In this portrait of a gentleman the sitter has been depicted within a feigned oval wearing a scarlett coat and a white cravat. It is a daring exploration of colour. The style and type were fashionable in the 18th century London studios and the bright pigment is distinctive of Enoch Seeman's palette. The pièce de résistance is the face, and is remarkably detailed and every so finely painted. The artist records a sense of the sitter’s character, a sign of an artist very accomplished in the oil technique of painting. English aficionados were quite taken and enchanted with Seeman’s portraits and he was in high demand. Enoch Seeman (born in Danzig c.1694) was a successful and popular artist with members of the British aristocracy. His father, his three brothers, his nephew, and his son were also painters. He was trained by his father who brought him as a boy to London from their previous home in Flanders in 1704 (Seeman is often considered to be an English painter). By 1708 he was creating remarkably good portraits whilst still only a teenager and by 1717 Enoch had established a very successful portrait practice in London. He became the British Royal Court painter and painted portraits of both George I and II amongst many other members of the British aristocracy. In 1723 Vertue remarked that ''Enoch. for portrait Painting is in the greatest vogue… and his aristocratic and royal patronage makes him a rival to Charles Jervas.” He made such an impression on Society that he enjoyed a prolific career into the 1740s. It has been alledged that Seeman charged 20 guineas for a full-length portrait in 1732. Held in the original quality frame. Measurements: Height 92cm, Width 80cm framed (Height 36.25”, Width 31.5” framed)